For some strange reason, pimples only seem to pop up (pun totally intended!) whenever we’re due for an important meeting or event the night before. While there is no quick shortcut to eliminating pimples completely you can quickly reduce it in size or calm it down by applying acne creams or the natural way with ice packs. This week’s product review is the Nexcare 3M Acne Patch which claims to absorb the oil secretion and pus from your acne so that you can meet your friends with confidence!
Well doesn’t that sound like a plan. These acne patches are small round rubber pieces made out of water based material which are actually the mini versions of a medical dressing called the 3M Tegasorb which is used in hospitals to absorb wound pus. Nurses in Taiwan soon realized that by cutting the Tegasorb dressings into tinier pieces, it worked just as well on their acne spots.
PRODUCT CLAIMS
Prevents infections
Absorbs acne secretion
Soothes burning and aching
INGREDIENTS
Polyisobutene, Polyisoprene Cellulose Gum, Croscarmellose
HOW TO USE
Clean your face and pat dry. Next, slowly remove the first layer of film and using a tweezer or needle and peel off an acne patch according to the size of your acne spot and stick it on. It is stated on the box that you should stick on the patch before applying makeup but I can’t imagine why anyone would do that because these acne patches are quite thick and two, they’re not transparent. Putting makeup over it would only make it stand out more.
If you don’t mind people staring by all means wear them out but preferably you should use them at home before bed because you’re supposed to have it on for 5 hours or more for it to effectively absorb out all your pus.
Mind you, your pimple needs to be ripe or at least close to eruption for this product to be effective. What you can do is to burst it slightly with clean hands or a sterilzed needle before placing the acne patch on top of it.
RESULTS
The end result is pretty gross but like blackheads on a nose patch, it’s somewhat fascinating because after using it overnight, I peeled the patch only to reveal a completely flattened spot, still slightly red but at least the pus was almost all gone. The patch itself had a white lump. Some people may have their pimples completely gone within a day but it really depends from person to per. What we think helps facilitate the healing is also because these patches keep you from picking on them with your dirty fingers. It’s also useful for those who often get pimple around the nose area where their glasses often rest.
The 3M Nexcare Acne Patch is great for those with the occasional spot especially those cystic ones but not if you have severe acne. For that, you need to consult a dermatologist and get prescribed medication because drugstore products might be too harsh for you.
PRICE
The 3M Nexcare Acne Patch comes in 3 different packs of seven (RM4.30), eighteen (RM9.90) and thirty six (RM12.00) pieces respectively.
Efficiency ★★★★★
Packaging ★★★★☆
Value for Money ★★★★☆